Recreation at Wallowa Lake

If you’re visiting for the first time, you probably came here for the lake, but did you know that there’s a rare and spectacular feature that most never visit? It’s the vast, 515 sq. mile (329,600 acre) prairie known as the Zumwalt and its largely pristine and intact. It’s boundary extends northeast from all the towns in the Wallowa Valley right up to the forests that mark the rim overlooking the Snake River along the Oregon-Idaho border. This once-common landscape covered some 40 percent of the U.S, but today less that 2 percent remains. If you like rolling hills, vast skies, green fields and wildflowers, our prairie environs are sure to impress.

Cycle Oregon is the largest cycling group in the state and claims to be ‘The Best Ride in America.’ Their website states, “Somewhere in America there may be a more awe-inspiring ride than this climb to the Wallowa Valley. If so, we have not found it.” Despite their goal of always traveling to a different place, since discovering us in 1995 they have returned here four times and no doubt, will return again. UPDATE: They are returning again on Sept. 10th and 11th, 2018.

We rent everything from kayaks to a pontoon boat to enjoy the exceptional fun on the lake and we can tell you all about the record-breaking fishing. Take an early morning or evening to enjoy some quiet serenity. Relax, swim or fish the pristine waters.

Wallowa Lake has two public boat ramps. The first one you arrive at is on the north end at the County Park and has a double ramp and tie-up dock. The second, at the south end, is located 5 miles further along and is within the State Park just west of the Marina. Wallowa Lake is generally calm, making it a great place for canoes and skiers.

Fishing at Wallowa Lake is a popular pastime that is both enjoyable and can be quite productive. Whether you fish from a boat or from shore seems to make no difference- if all you want to do is catch fish, and you just might get yourself in the record books!

Into The Wallowa outings are half-day guided tours of significant lands throughout the Wallowa Country. All outings are led by local experts, free of charge, and open to the public. Most outings are Saturday morings from 9am to approximately noon.

The Wallowa Lake Trailhead at the south end of Wallowa Lake provides a gateway into Oregon's Largest Wilderness, The Eagle Cap. If you thought this area was beautiful from the outside, entering the wilderness will simply blow you away!

Whoooa! Come experience wilderness from a higher perspective! Let the horse focus on the trail while you take in the incredible beauty of the Eagle Cap. Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life and settle into a rugged outdoor adventure and bring home memories of a lifetime.

Mountain Pines Adventure Golf is truly a unique miniature golf course situated among the pine trees which offers challenges and fun for everyone. Putt through a log, through the rocks and even into the water for a chance at a hole-in-one. You’ll enjoy the calming waterfalls and fountains throughout the course. So come have some fun and create a memory of a lifetime!

Eagle Cap Chalets' historical mini golf course represents over 50 years of family fun! First constructed in 1961, our course has been recently remodeled with some completely new holes, but retaining many of the original design. Some families have been returning for decades! It's a wonderful activity for young and old alike. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon under tall pines, and finish with our signature Mountain Berry Shake at the snack shack.

We rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, paddle-boats and four-person rowboats. Everything is supplied to enjoy a quiet day on the lake. Take an early morning or evening to enjoy some quiet serenity. Relax, swim or fish the pristine waters.

The East and West Fork of the Wallowa River feed the lake with crystal clear snow melt, making Wallowa Lake one of the clearest lakes in the world. Locals like to joke as they jump in, that the water was snow five minutes ago. Really though, after a few weeks of hot weather the water is very nice and refreshing.